Fair working conditions

The Government safeguards the Swedish model, which builds on agreement between unions and employers on terms of employment in the labour market. Sweden is also pursuing issues in the EU on fair competition for businesses, and on rights and conditions for EU citizens who are posted to work in Sweden.

Everyone should have a secure job with fair conditions

Minister for Employment and Integration Ylva Johansson about posting of workers in Sweden

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The Government has adopted the government bill ‘New posting regulations’. These legislative amendments help create a more effective and efficient system for the protection of the rights of posted workers under the EU Posting of Workers Directive and the Enforcement Directive.

“The Swedish model must be developed – not dismantled.”

“Sweden has experienced strong growth, many new jobs are being created and unemployment rates are falling. Fair and decent conditions are essential for ensuring that everyone finds a secure job where they are not exploited or worn out. No company should be driven out of business because others have poor employee conditions. Everyone should be able to work and live on what they are paid. This is an important part of the Swedish model. ’’

Prime minister Stefan Löfven and minister for Employment and Integration, Ylva Johansson, at the informal European ministerial meeting in Stockholm on fair conditions in the labour market.Photo: Sören Andersson/Government Offices

Sweden influences the EU

Free movement is a cornerstone of EU cooperation. Mobility must go hand in hand with social security, a high level of employee protection and good working conditions for all employees, wherever they come from. Social dumping and abuse of the regulations on free movement must be prevented, so as to avoid unfair competitive advantages being gained by circumventing working environment regulations. The Government has successfully advocated giving more attention to social issues in EU cooperation.

Group photo from the Social Summit for Fair Jobs and Growth in Gothenburg.Photo: Sören Andersson/Governemnt Offices

Social Summit for Fair Jobs and Growth

The Social Summit for Fair Jobs and Growth took place in Gothenburg on 17 November. The seminars and working sessions were webcast live during the Summit and are available on demand in English, French, German and Swedish on socialsummit17.se.

Fair working conditions for posted workers

It is increasingly common for citizens of other EU countries to be posted to work in Sweden. The Government is working to promote fair working conditions for posted workers. Several proposals on amendments to the rules on the posting of workers are currently being considered.

A work environment policy for the modern working life

The Government's work environment policy is to contribute to a work environment that prevents ill health, accidents and people being excluded from working life. Work environment management must take into account people's differing circumstances and contribute to the development of both individuals and operations.

Clear regulations and fair competition in the transport sector

The Government is working to ensure that clear regulations and fair competition guide legislation in the transport sector, resulting in improved working conditions throughout the EU. The Government also wants to strengthen the protection of social rights.

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